Like all talented but inexperienced teams, the Reeths-Puffer boys basketball squad has had its ups and downs this season.
For instance, on Friday the Rockets gave a very good Mona Shores squad fits before falling by two points in a squeaker.
On Tuesday, however, R-P had a much more difficult time, falling 76-56 to Byron Center, another very good O-K Green conference opponent.
A bad first quarter proved to be Reeths-Puffer's downfall. The Rockets were outscored 22-4, then played the rest of the game pretty evenly, but it was too little, too late.
R-P's Brayden Mitchelson, who scored 25 points.
The Rockets were hurt by 11 turnovers, including seven in the first half.
"We didn't value the ball, and didn't show up to play tonight," said R-P head coach JR Wallace.
Senior Brayden Mitchelson had a productive night for the Rockets, totaling 25 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Junior Marvin Moore added eight points and four assists while senior Elloit Schneider had seven points and four rebounds, all on the offensive end.
Reeths-Puffer, now 2-8 overall and 1-2 in conference play, will host Jenison on Friday.
Byron Center improved to 9-4 and 2-1.